Art is a powerful means of self-expression and creativity that can enrich your child’s life in numerous ways.
By nurturing their love of art, you foster their imagination, boost their confidence, and encourage their unique perspective on the world.
I was compensated for my time to write this post. All opinions are my own.
But does that mean art lessons for teens and painting for kids, or is there more to it?
The truth is that there are many, many, many ways to help encourage your child to fall in love with drawing and painting and the world of art.
The key is being open to them – even if art is not your favorite thing.
Art Courses for Kids, Drawing Classes for Teens, and More!
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Here are 10 practical ways to support and cultivate your child’s passion for art.
Create a Dedicated Art Space
Designate a specific area in your home where your child can freely explore their artistic endeavors.
Set up a table with art supplies like paints, markers, colored pencils, and sketchbooks.
This dedicated space will inspire your child to engage in art spontaneously and make it a regular part of their routine.
When my kids were younger, I stapled a long sheet of blank white paper to the wall and dubbed it our doodle drawing wall.
Whenever they wanted to, they could doodle on the paper and create art.
They still talk about it today!
Encourage Artistic Exploration
Expose your child to a wide range of art forms and techniques.
Take them to museums, galleries, and art exhibitions to introduce them to different styles and artists.
Encourage them to experiment with various mediums and techniques like painting, drawing, sculpting, or mixed media.
Provide Quality Art Supplies
Invest in high-quality art supplies that will inspire your child to explore their creativity.
Consider providing different types of paper, canvases, brushes of various sizes, and quality paints.
Having access to good materials will make their artistic experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
When my daughter was in her colored pencil era, we used nothing but Prismacolors because she had done research and determined that they were the best for her artwork.
They were pricey, but well worth the price because she felt encouraged and supported in her love for art.
Online Art Courses for Kids
Although not all art courses are great, Sparketh is an excellent online platform that offers a variety of art courses for children of all ages and skill levels.
It provides step-by-step tutorials and projects led by professional artists, allowing your child to learn new techniques and further develop their artistic skills from the comfort of home.
Whether your teen wants to learn to draw cartoons or your child wants to learn to use watercolors, there is something for everyone.
We have used Sparketh on and off for years, and it is always worth the subscription price because my kids get so much out of it.
There’s nothing like watching a video taught by an artist and then following along to create your own art masterpiece.
As a mom, I return to Sparketh again and again because I know that my kids will get great art instruction without having to worry about sketchy ads or other messaging that you find with so many YouTube video tutorials.
Instead, the focus is art and nurturing their creativity and love for creating.
And that’s priceless.
My kids love that you can filter the art lessons to help you find just what you’re looking for.
You can set the duration of the lesson you’re looking for, the instructor, the materials being used, the type of class, the skill level of the course, and the subject.
You can also now sort the courses by popular, trending, and new, so if you’re not sure what you feel like tackling one day, you can pick one of those and give it a shot.
With the subscription, there’s no limit to the number of courses you can watch; you can watch them all if you want to!
If your child loves drawing and painting, I highly recommend checking out Sparketh’s subscription.
It’s a great way to add some art to your homeschool day or encourage your child to explore their passion for art outside of school!
Engage in Art Activities Together
Spend quality time with your child engaging in art activities.
Create collaborative art projects where you both contribute to a larger piece or take turns teaching each other new techniques.
This shared experience will strengthen your bond while fostering their love for art.
Display Their Artwork
Create an art gallery at home by displaying your child’s artwork.
Dedicate a wall or bulletin board where you rotate and showcase their creations.
You can even get a magnetic frame and hang their artwork on the fridge!
Seeing their artwork proudly displayed will boost their confidence and encourage them to continue exploring their artistic abilities.
Encourage Art Journaling
Introduce your child to the concept of art journaling—a combination of writing and visual expression.
Provide them with a journal where they can draw, paint, or collage while also writing about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Art journaling allows for self-reflection and serves as a visual diary for artistic expression.
Attend In-Person Art Workshops or Classes
Look for local art workshops or classes tailored specifically for children.
These classes provide structured learning environments where your child can learn new techniques, receive guidance from experienced instructors, and interact with other young artists.
It’s an excellent opportunity for them to enhance their skills and meet like-minded peers.
A Note of Caution: Be sure that the class your child is going to is taught by someone who is good with children. My oldest was interested in a painting class when he was about 8, and I signed him up for a class at a local art league. On the first day of class, I went to pick him up, and he had somehow cut his finger open pretty badly. The teacher was very nonchalant about it and just had him wrap a piece of paper towel around it because she didn’t want to be bothered looking for a bandaid. Not only did he not go back to the class, but he also stopped drawing and painting for a long time after that. So, make sure that the class is taught by someone not only qualified but someone who enjoys working with kids. Talk about mom guilt…
Foster a Supportive Environment
Create an atmosphere where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves through art without fear of judgment or criticism.
Offer constructive feedback that focuses on their effort, creativity, and growth rather than solely on the end result.
Encourage them to take risks and explore new ideas freely.
It’s a great time to help them develop a growth mindset!
Celebrate Their Artistic Journey
Recognize and celebrate your child’s artistic achievements regularly.
Frame their favorite pieces, hold mini art exhibitions at home, or organize family art shows where they can showcase their creations.
Celebrating their progress and efforts will motivate them to continue pursuing their love of art.
Growing a Love of Art
By implementing these 10 strategies to nurture your child’s love of art, you provide them with the tools and support needed to thrive creatively.
Remember that every child is unique, so adapt these suggestions based on your child’s interests and preferences.
Embrace the joy of art together and witness the transformative power it has on their imagination and self-expression!